While there are several reasons to vote “yes” for the upcoming comprehensive school bond, I would like to highlight the safety and security elements that will be funded with the passage of Proposition 1.

Unfortunately, schools today face a new wave of threats. The outdated design and sprawling campus of Mount Si High School makes it difficult to address many safety and security considerations. Although it may not be possible to address every imaginable threat, the rebuild and design of a new, modern high school will incorporate best practices, new technology, and state-of-the art components to protect our children.

To compound the safety and security risks at Mount Si High School, there is districtwide classroom overcrowding and a high-reliance on portable school buildings. In addition to reducing class sizes at all grade levels, funding from the school bond will enhance systems to more effectively monitor students and visitors, control ingress and egress access, and manage emergency alerts and responses.

Threats can still happen no matter how prepared we are, and hopefully an incident never adversely impacts our community. However, as a community, we need to provide the funding to mitigate potential threats and provide a safer and more secure learning environment for our children.

Additionally, the proposed rebuild and expansion of Mount Si High School (with a designed freshman campus within) will also reinstate a third middle school.  This is a creative two-for-one solution that will alleviate classroom overcrowding at all grade levels.

I will vote yes on Proposition 1 for many reasons, and enhanced school safety and security is just one.  Please join me in voting “yes” for Proposition 1: One solution. For all kids. For the future.

Heather Munden

Snoqualmie Council Member

Chair, Public Safety Committee